RGN Trucking vs Step Deck Trucking

RGN trucking, step deck trucking, and lowboy trailer shipping solve different height and weight challenges for freight that won’t fit a standard flatbed. This guide compares all three so you can match the right trailer to your shipment.

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Step Deck Trucking Explained

Step deck trucking uses a trailer with a higher front section and a lower rear deck sitting roughly 3.5 feet off the ground, gaining meaningful clearance over a standard flatbed. That extra height lets taller freight clear legal height limits without triggering the permit requirements a taller load might otherwise need. Freight is typically loaded by forklift or crane rather than driven on, since step decks don’t have the ramp access an RGN offers for self-propelled equipment.

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RGN Trailers and Drive-On Loading

An RGN, short for removable gooseneck, shares the low deck height of a lowboy but detaches at the front to create a ground-level ramp for loading. That ramp allows self-propelled equipment, like excavators or bulldozers, to drive on and off under their own power without needing a crane. Once loaded, the gooseneck reattaches, and the trailer tows normally, giving RGNs one of the lowest deck heights available, on par with a lowboy, and the easiest loading method for wheeled or tracked machinery.

Lowboy Trailers for Tall Freight

A lowboy trailer has a fixed low deck without a removable gooseneck, providing extra height clearance for tall equipment that doesn’t require drive-on loading. Freight is typically loaded by crane rather than driven on, since the deck stays attached to the frame at all times. Through its Flatbed & Heavy Haul carrier relationships, LAC helps identify the right equipment (standard flatbed, step deck, RGN, or lowboy) for a given shipment.

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Choosing Between the Three Trailers

Step deck suits freight too tall for a standard flatbed but not requiring the lowest clearance available on the road.
RGN suits self-propelled or crane-loaded equipment requiring maximum height clearance and drive-on access.
Lowboy suits tall, heavy loads that can be crane-loaded without a detachable gooseneck.

Weight capacity, loading method, and the clearance the freight actually needs typically determine the choice among the three trailer types.

Permits for Oversized Equipment Loads

Freight exceeding standard height, width, or weight limits typically requires state- or province-specific oversize permits, and taller or wider loads may need escort vehicles along part of the route. Requirements vary by state or province and by the specific route a shipment takes, so permit needs aren’t always obvious from freight dimensions alone before booking. Planning ahead of dispatch matters, since permit approval can take longer to secure than the shipment itself in some states or provinces.

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Deck Height at a Glance

Trailer	Typical deck height	Loading method	Best for
Standard flatbed	Highest of the group (no number)	Forklift/crane	Freight within standard height limits
Step deck	Lower deck ~3.5 ft (42 in)	Forklift/crane	Moderately tall freight
RGN	~18–24 in	Drive-on (detachable gooseneck)	Tall, self-propelled equipment
Lowboy (fixed neck)	~18–24 in	Crane or ramp, depending on trailer	Tall, heavy equipment

Matching Equipment to Your Freight

The right trailer depends on freight height, weight, and whether the equipment can be driven on or must be crane-loaded onto the deck before departure. Sharing accurate dimensions and weight upfront helps a carrier confirm the correct trailer before a shipment is booked, rather than discovering a mismatch at pickup on load day. Getting this right the first time avoids delays, re-bookings, and the added cost of switching equipment mid-route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an RGN and a lowboy?

Both trailers share a low deck height, typically in the 18- to 24-inch range, which provides extra clearance for tall freight along the route. The key difference is loading: an RGN’s gooseneck detaches to create a ground-level ramp, letting self-propelled equipment drive on and off directly under its own power. A lowboy has a fixed deck that stays attached at all times, so freight is typically loaded by crane instead of driven on.

When should I use a step deck instead of a flatbed?

A step deck is the right choice when freight is too tall for a standard flatbed’s height limit but doesn’t require the extra clearance an RGN or lowboy provides. Its lower rear deck, sitting roughly 3.5 feet off the ground, provides enough clearance for moderately tall freight without the added cost or specialized handling that RGN and lowboy equipment typically require. For most freight that simply exceeds flatbed height, a step deck is the more practical and cost-effective option.

Which trailer is best for excavators or bulldozers?

Mid-size excavators often move well on a lowboy trailer, since the fixed low deck provides plenty of clearance for crane-loaded equipment on most job sites. Larger crawler-tracked machines that can self-load favor an RGN, since the detachable gooseneck lets them drive on directly instead of being lifted by crane. Compact equipment and mixed freight often fit a step deck instead, since lowboy trailer shipping and RGN equipment are typically reserved for taller or heavier loads.

Are RGN trailers harder to find than step decks?

RGN and lowboy equipment is more specialized than step decks, which can mean tighter capacity outside major freight corridors or during busy shipping periods. Fewer carriers operate this equipment type across their fleets, so availability can be less predictable than booking a standard step deck trailer for the same route. Booking further in advance helps secure the right trailer for the route, especially when a shipment has a firm delivery deadline.

What is the lowest deck height available on these trailers?

RGN and lowboy trailers typically offer the lowest deck height among open-deck equipment, generally in the 18 to 24-inch range, depending on the specific trailer and configuration used on that particular route. That low deck height unlocks the maximum height clearance for very tall equipment that would otherwise exceed legal limits on a standard flatbed or step-deck trailer. Confirming the exact deck height with your carrier before booking helps avoid last-minute surprises.